OUR MISSION:

Co-Opera Co. is a group of like-minded professionals from the operatic world whose goal is to help aspiring and emerging artists by providing first-class training, career advice and, above all, paid performance opportunities.

Co-Opera Co. is an innovative opera company which has at its heart the welfare and promotion of professional opera singers and orchestral players in the early stages of their careers, post-graduates nearing the conclusion of their course, budding conductors, directors, répétiteurs and people working towards a career in the technical side of the operatic profession.

The Co-Opera Co. mission is to provide aspiring and emerging artists with the chance to work with and learn from some of the most highly regarded singers, conductors, directors, actors and choreographers in the business today; to provide invaluable, paid performance opportunities; and, through this association with people of influence, give them a helping hand at the beginning of their career.

This is done through a series of comprehensive training development programmes under the umbrella title of Connections:

Connections ranging from advice, mentoring, hands on coaching, right through to performing with each other in full scale touring productions

Connections between highly experienced members of the profession and those who have less or even no experience

Connections in one day and weekend workshops and two and four week development programmes which culminate in full productions in London

OUR history:

Co-Opera Co. was founded by Soprano Kate Flowers and Lighting Designer Paul Need and developed from their realisation that the career path of aspiring singers entering the operatic profession today is severely hampered by the dearth of the kind of small, prestigious companies which were prevalent in the 1970s and '80s. It was possible at that time for singers straight from college to work alongside seasoned professionals, in top-class productions in major venues, learning invaluable lessons by watching and working with experienced artists – earning while they were learning. Of course there are still some opportunities for emerging artists to do this, but they are rare, and with so many singers entering the market place each year, unfortunately supply is outstripping demand.

In 2008 Kate and Paul gathered together over 50 eminent professionals from every area of the profession, all of whom feel passionately that it is their duty to pass on their expertise to the next generation – and Co-Opera Co was formed.

Singers helping singers – musicians helping musicians

The Co-Opera Co. mission is to provide aspiring artists with the chance to work with and learn from some of the most highly regarded singers, conductors, directors, actors and choreographers in the business today; to provide invaluable, paid performance opportunities; and, through this association with people of influence, give them a helping hand at the beginning of their career. This is done through a comprehensive training development programme, under the umbrella title of Connections – where participants can work on every aspect of opera in workshops, Masterclasses, private coaching and on the Summer development programme. The company also tours productions around the country.

Co-Opera Co. = earning while learning.

Co-Opera Co. has gained an excellent reputation in its short life throughout the profession and beyond. Since the first weekend workshop in January 2009, over 400 aspiring singers, directors, conductors, répétiteurs, orchestral musicians, and stage management have trained and performed with Co-Opera Co. The company has toured nine new productions, La bohème, Albert Herring, The Marriage of Figaro, Carmen, The Magic Flute, Hansel and Gretel, Don Giovanni, The Mikado and Madama Butterfly to Cheltenham, Portsmouth, Blackpool, Croydon, Malvern, Wellingborough, Buxton, Bury St. Edmunds, Harrow, Chesterfield, Llandudno and Wilton’s Music Hall in London.

Co-Opera Co. has also developed a series of Opera Galas, which, added to the touring dates, give our alumni invaluable, paid performance experience.

OUR FUTURE:

Co-Opera Co. is entirely self-funded; relying, so far, on donations to the Philip Langridge Bursary fund, on box office sales and on contributions from participants to cover costs.

In order for us to continue our work it is vital that our funding also continues.

If you feel that you would like to support Co-Opera Co. in any way, please visit our DONATE page to see the many ways in which you can help.

Find out how you can help support our activities:

News & Resources exchange

Our NEWS & RESOURCES PAGE is dedicated to bringing you the latest news from Co-Opera Co. as well as occasional reports on training sessions given by our Associated Artists.You can also link to a series of dedicated discussion forums on Facebook